Monaco storm into second place with win over Brest | OneFootball

Despite finishing the match with nine men, Monaco overtake Stade Brestois in second place in the Ligue 1 Uber Eats table with a 2-0 win thanks to a well-worked finish from Takumi Minamino and a fabulous strike from Denis Zakaria.

In a huge clash in the race for Champions League football, Stade Brestois hosted Monaco at Stade Francis Le Blé with both sides hoping to secure a boost in their respective bids to qualify for Europe's premier competition. As was likely expected, it was a tight affair from the outset as Les Pirates edged the first half hour of play by defending in disciplined fashion and nullifying the Monégasque threat. On the attack, Satriano would take the initiative and unleash a fine shot from the edge of the box, which went just wide of Mejecki's right post.

Yet, the principality side would take the lead in empathic fashion via a beautifully-curled effort from the edge of the box via Denis Zakaria, with little chance for Marco Bizot to scramble and save (40'). A fourth goal this season in Ligue 1 Uber Eats for the Swiss international, as Monaco began to assert themselves in a key clash for Champions League football. Les Pirates would try to react, and just before the break Romain Del Castillo looked to profit off some confusion in the ASM box, but it would eventually be cleared as the referee Ruddy Buquet blew for half-time shortly after.

Minamino doubles ASM's lead

Monaco would come out the gate quickly for the second-half and double their lead over Brest via Takumi Minamino after some great combination play down the left side between Maghnes Akliouche and Kreplin Diatta to set up the Japan international for his eighth goal this season in the league (47'). After a pause for a VAR review, the goal would be given as onside by referee Buquet. It was a blow for Eric Roy's side, who conceded their ninth goal in three matches, and would face an uphill battle to get back into the affair.

It was Monaco who had another clear chance to further extend their lead as Folarin Balogon was sent through on goal, but his chip over Bizot would be cleared by the Brestois defence. Without Pierre Lees-Melou in midfield, Eric Roy's men struggled to get a hold on the game as the Frenchman sat out after being sent-off against Lyon last weekend. Sending-offs became the theme of the end of the match, as Monaco would finish the game with nine men after two unbelievable red cards. Young Eliesse Ben Seghir received a straight red card for violent conduct, before Wilfred Singo lashed out to Marco Bizot only a minute later to receive his marching orders.

THE STATS - Monaco's Mega away form, four-in-four red cards

Monaco have scored 34 goals away from home this season in Ligue 1 Uber Eats, which is more than any other team in the league. With their two red cards at the end of the game, Monaco now count four red cards in their last four matches.

>>'We've got the new Cafu' Takumi Minamino's new role at Monaco

>>PROFILE: One Step Beyond: Maghnes Akliouche's breakthrough season with Monaco